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VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) —A Valdosta man locked himself in his apartment after being confronted on child molestation charges.

The Valdosta Police Department (VPD) arrested Keenan Richards, 33, on Oct. 13. Richards is charged with:

• three counts of aggravated child molestation, a felony
• aggravated assault by strangulation, a felony
• statutory rape, a felony
• child molestation, a felony
• first-degree burglary, a felony

VPD investigators allege Richards lied about his age to a minor on WhatsApp and discussed having a relationship. In the messages, Richards claimed he was 20. Police say the victim told Richards they were younger than 16.

Investigators used WhatsApp and Flock cameras to place Richards in the area around the time of the assault.

Investigators tried to locate Richards at his Valdosta apartment near Madison Elementary School in the 900 block of West Gordon Street. Richards tried to leave the building from a rear exit but returned to his apartment after seeing detectives.

VPD investigators obtained a warrant to forcibly enter the apartment when Richards refused to leave. He was arrested without incident and taken to the Lowndes County jail.

This is an active investigation with the potential for additional charges, according to VPD.

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